More stories

  • in

    ‘We don’t want goals ruled out for those situations’ says ex-Premier League ref as he hints at major tactical change

    A FORMER Premier League referee has hinted at clubs making a major tactical change following John Stones’ winner for Manchester City because “we don’t want goals ruled out for those situations”.Mark Halsey appeared on the latest episode of SunSport’s The Whisteblower to run the rule over the key refereeing decisions from the weekend.Manchester City’s late goal at Wolves was originally ruled out before VAR intervenedCredit: Sky SportsEx-Premier League referee Mark Halsey reckons the right decision was made in the endCredit: AFPAnd high on the agenda was Stones’ controversial goal at Wolves.The Manchester City defender powered home a thunderous header in injury time.However, after plenty of confusion, the goal was originally chalked off when the referees concluded there was an offside against Bernardo Silva.Silva tussled with Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa as the ball came in and was in an offside position when it flew into the back of the net. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut following a lengthy VAR review, the goal was allowed to stand – because Silva was adjudged to be out of Sa’s line of sight and not impacting his compatriot once Stones headed goalwards.So despite the complaints of Gary O’Neil, Halsey was pleased to see the goal given. He said: “I think the VAR was absolutely spot on to recommend a review for Chris Kavanagh to go and have a look because when you do see the replay, you know straight away that Silva hasn’t impacted on the goalkeeper with being in his line of vision.”He just moves out of the way straight away. So, for me, I think the correct decision was made and that’s what we want to see and that is what VAR is there for.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”When the ball comes in, he can quite rightly stand there. When John Stones headers that ball, is he interfering with an opponent? Does he impact on his line of vision? “You can clearly see, no, he doesn’t. And you can clearly see that the keeper sees the ball all the way.Man City match-winner John Stones reflects after controversial win against Wolves”It’s just a great header from John Stones and, in my opinion, the goal was correctly given. We do not want to see goals ruled out for those sorts of situations.”Players cannot be offside directly from the original kick and corners. So Silva getting away with his antics at Molineux could prompt more teams into trying similar tactics at corners to disrupt goalkeepers – before ducking out in time.So Silva getting away with his antics at Molineux could prompt more teams into trying similar tactics at corners to disrupt goalkeepers – before ducking out in time.Pressed on the issue, Halsey added: “Listen, there’s always a little bit of contact going on in the box and all the time you see goalkeepers pushing players, don’t you? “They push them out of the way just before the corner’s taken or while the corner comes across. “So, for me, that’s normal contact. And yes, if that’s the tactics they employ in other clubs, then so be it.”But we do not want to see goals ruled out of that nature.”Halsey also had his say on the William Saliba red card at Bournemouth.TV fixtures in DecemberHere are all the games that will be televised in December…Tuesday 3 December19:30 Ipswich v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Leicester v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)Wednesday 4 December19:30 Everton v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Man City v Nott’m Forest (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Newcastle v Liverpool (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Southampton v Chelsea (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Aston Villa v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)Thursday 5 December19:30 Fulham v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)Saturday 7 December12:30 Everton v Liverpool (TNT Sports)17:30 Man Utd v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 8 December14:00 Fulham v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Chelsea (Sky Sports)Monday 9 December20:00 West Ham v Wolves (Sky Sports)Saturday 14 December17:30 Nott’m Forest v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Sunday 15 December14:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Man City v Man Utd (Sky Sports)19:00 Southampton v Spurs (TNT Sports)Monday 16 December20:00 Brighton v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Saturday 21 December12:30 Aston Villa v Man City (TNT Sports)17:30 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Sunday 22 December14:00 Fulham v Southampton (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Thursday 26 December12:30 Man City v Everton (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Chelsea v Fulham (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Newcastle v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Nott’m Forest v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Southampton v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)17:30 Wolves v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:00 Liverpool v Leicester (Amazon Prime Video)Friday 27 December19:30 Brighton v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Ipswich (Amazon Prime Video)Sunday 29 December14:30 Leicester v Man City (Sky Sports)17:15 West Ham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 30 December20:00 Man Utd v Newcastle (Sky Sports)The Frenchman received his marching orders after half an hour after pulling back Evanilson just inside the Arsenal half – but was the last man and was deemed to be denying a goalscoring opportunity.But Halsey would have preferred the referee to stick with his original call of a yellow card. The ex-Prem official said: “Rob Jones straight away showed a yellow card. Exactly what I would have done in that situation. “Was it a clear and obvious error by Rob Jones? In my opinion, no. I thought he got it spot on.”For me, there’s doubt there to whether that was an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. “And we keep hearing about Howard Webb saying we don’t want VAR getting involved in subjective decisions. Well, for me, that was subjective.READ MORE SUN STORIES”VAR shouldn’t have got involved. It wasn’t a clear and obvious error, in my opinion, from Rob Jones.”We should have stuck with the on-field referee decision of a yellow card.”The referees were happy Bernardo Silva got out of the wayCredit: GettyStones celebrates the important winCredit: PAHalsey believes William Saliba should have been allowed to stay on the field at BournemouthCredit: PA More

  • in

    Premier League release statement on why John Stones’ goal for Man City against Wolves was given

    THE Premier League have released a statement following Manchester City’s controversial winner against Wolves this afternoon.City snatched all three points from Wolves through a last-gasp header from John Stones – with the goal awarded after a lengthy VAR review.Wolves fans felt Jose Sa was impeded by Bernardo Silva when Man City scored their winnerCredit: Sky SportsJohn Stones rose up above the crowd and nodded home a late goalCredit: Sky SportsStones celebrated the late winnerCredit: RexWolves players and fans felt that their goalkeeper Jose Sa was being impeded by Bernardo Silva at the corner kick while the City midfielder was standing in an offside position.The officials seemed to agree and chalked the goal off on-field.However referee Chris Cavanagh was subsequently advised to head to the monitor by VAR Stuart Attwell.After review, Cavanagh awarded the goal and spared Man City from an embarrassing draw to rock bottom of the table.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Wolves bench were incensed by the decision with Gary O’Neil getting booked for his protests on the sidelines.While fans online and in the stadium were sent into meltdown.But the Premier League have now released a statement explaining exactly why the decision was made.Via the Premier League Match Centre X page, they wrote: “Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review. “The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded.”Man City & Premier League BOTH claim victory in landmark court case as legal battle continuesBernardo Silva seemed to be some distance away from Sa by the time Stones headed the ball goalward. While the shot-stopper had a clear view over Silva’s head thanks to the significant height different between the pair.However, fans and even pundits seemed to think the goal should have been ruled our after seeing footage that showed Silva back into Sa during the corner routine.Sky Sports pundit and former Man City star Micah Richards said: “The fact of the matter is he’s [Bernardo Silva] still in the keeper’s way so it has affected the play, in my opinion.”Adding: “It’s just that nudge that sends him off balance and Sa can’t get set. So I understand why Wolves would be aggrieved at this particular moment.”City’s 2-1 win will have come as a huge sigh of relief with the Etihad outfit close to failing to take advantage of title rivals Arsenal’s shortcoming yesterday.The Gunners fell to a 2-0 defeat away at Bournemouth after William Saliba was sent off in the first half.Stones was some distance away from Sa by the time Stones got his head on the ballCredit: AFPGary O’Neil was booked for his complaints in the aftermath of the decisionCredit: Getty More

  • in

    ‘I have MAJOR doubts over Arsenal star William Saliba’s red card for three key reasons’, says ex-Premier League referee

    I HAD major doubts over William Saliba’s red card and would have stayed with referee Rob Jones’ on-field decision of a caution.The Arsenal defender fouled Bournemouth striker Evanilson but was it a clear and obvious error for VAR to intervene?William Saliba was sent off against Bournemouth following a VAR reviewCredit: RexEx-Premier League referee Mark Halsey has major doubt over the decisionCredit: AFPIt’s a subjective decision, so I didn’t think VAR Jarred Gillett needed to get involved. For the denial of a goalscoring opportunity, we look at four key criteria.And I had doubts over three of those.The distance between the offence and the goal was lengthy, the general direction of play saw the ball coming across Evanilson and not in front of him and also the location and number of defenders was questionable.The likelihood of him keeping or gaining control of the ball would have probably been in the favour of the Cherries forward because  David Raya was back-pedalling towards his own goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPGMOL chiefs Howard Webb was spotted on TV listening into the VAR comms and that is  normal for him to have access — just like the media broadcasters.There is no way he would have had any input or communication into the Saliba red card.The Frenchman’s dismissal means he is now set to miss a crucial match in the title race for the Gunners.Saliba will serve a one -match ban in the Premier League, ruling him out of next Sunday’s clash with Liverpool.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe will then be free to return to league action away to Newcastle on November 2.Fortunately for Mikel Arteta, he remains available for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk.Arteta is open to allowing Arsenal academy players to take part in first team trainingThe 23-year-old is also free to face Preston in the Carabao Cup later this month ahead of the trip to St. James’ Park.Saliba’s red card against Bournemouth is only the second of his career and his first for almost four years.He was previously dismissed whilst playing for Arsenal’s under-21s in the EFL Trophy back in 2020.Robert Jones upgraded Saliba’s yellow to a red card after an on-field review of the incidentCredit: APSaliba will miss Arsenal’s home match against Liverpool next weekend through suspensionCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Roy Keane’s stunned reaction as he discovers Fifa are trialling bold rule change he suggested

    ROY KEANE provided a brilliant response when Howard Webb revealed that Fifa are trialling a bold rule change that he suggested.Former Premier League referee Webb, 53, joined Keane and Co for a wide-ranging conversation on officiating.Roy Keane provided a brilliant responseCredit: Stick to FootballHoward Webb discussed a potential rule changeCredit: Stick to FootballKeane’s response had the panel in stitchesCredit: Stick to FootballHaving hung up his whistle in 2014, Webb became the chief refereeing officer for the PGMOL in 2022.In his job, the Yorkshireman has had a hands on role in the implementation of VAR in the Premier League.This week he joined Keane, Gary Neville, Jill Scott, Ian Wright and Wayne Rooney on Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet.During the conversation, Neville brought up that Keane had recently suggested changing the implementation of technology in officiating to a system in which coaches would receive one challenge per match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked if this was something that could be feasible, Webb revealed: “We’ll only really know by seeing it in practice.”Interestingly enough, at the moment is the Under-17 Women’s World Cup, England are playing there, we talked about it earlier Jill, and we’ve just finished the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, the 17s is in Dominican Republic.”They’re using this on trial, so each coach has two challenges a game, it’s called…”At this point, Webb was interrupted as Wright slapped Keane on the arm and joked: “You’re wasted here!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKeane, 53, then joked: “I’m wasted here! I should be working for Fifa or something.”Through laughter, Scott quipped: “Can you imagine Roy, head of Fifa?”Roy Keane reveals he has ‘given up’ with Man Utd as he, Rooney and Neville lay into Ten Hag’s ‘disgusting’ flops The former Man Utd skipper then put on a pretend stern face as he replied: “What’s wrong with that Jill? What’s wrong with that?”As Neville howled with laughter, Keane continued: “I’ve worked at the highest level, I’ve played at the highest level… I’m sitting here eating chocolate.”Webb went on to boldly claim that there have only been two VAR errors so far this season, a significant reduction on the number recorded at this time a year ago.He said: “I don’t think we managed expectations well in terms of VAR. We knew it was always going to be a situation where it was going to do well on those clear situations, the ones where you think, ‘That’s clearly wrong on first view’.”We have this independent panel which has got ex-players on it, and they judge each decision each week, and according to the panel there has only been two VAR errors this season compared to 10 at the same time last year.”We’ve been better at hitting the mark but that can change and we’re not going to get complacent, but it’s been better. For me, the biggest thing of all is that it’s been quicker.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The average delay last season through VAR was 70 seconds per game and this year it’s 25 seconds.”I said to the guys, ‘Don’t ponder for too long, if you see a situation that jumps off the screen then get involved, but if you’re having to think about it too much then just say check complete because we’ll leave it with the referee on the field’. That’s why the term, ‘Referee’s call’ is useful.”Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

  • in

    Premier League claims VAR has IMPROVED with just two mistakes since start of season

    REFS’ chief Howard Webb believes Prem whistlers HAVE got better this season — and he has stats to prove it.The first two months of this campaign have seen more moans and even allegations of bias from fans and managers.The Premier League has claimed VAR and refereeing has improved this seasonCredit: AlamyRefereeing chief Howard Webb told the Stick to Football podcast what has changedCredit: YouTubeSo far, there have been 15 on-field decisions overturned by VAR — the same number as at this stage last term.But only five of those have seen refs’ rulings changed, compared to nine after the first 70 games in 2023-24.Part of that is a switch to “referee’s call”, meaning there must be clear evidence of a mistake for VAR to intervene.Yet Webb also pointed to the verdicts of the Prem’s Key Match Incidents panel of former players, managers and referees.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe PGMOL boss told Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast: “We didn’t manage expectations well over VAR. “It was always going to be [the case that] it did well on situations when you think, ‘That’s clearly wrong on first view’.“We have this panel now with ex-players on it and they judge each decision each week.“According to the panel, there have only been two VAR errors this season, compared to ten at the same time last year. We’re not complacent but it’s better.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThose errors were disallowing Dango Ouattara’s “winner” for Bournemouth against Newcastle for a handball — and Bruno Fernandes’ red against Spurs.SunSport analysis shows VAR has had little impact on the table. We looked at the “result” of every match if the original call, before VAR intervention, stood.Gary Lineker makes bold prediction on Match of the Day that his ‘good idea’ to fix VAR will eventually come inThe only big change sees Bournemouth go up to sixth from 13th. Newcastle, Brighton and Fulham would have two fewer points, while Wolves while Wolves move off the bottom on goals scored.Dango Ouattara saw his goal wrongfully ruled out against NewcastleCredit: YouTube/Sky Sports Premier LeagueBruno Fernandes was incorrectly dismissed against SpursCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    Job advert for VAR replay operator appears online with surprising salary and qualifications revealed

    HAWK-EYE are hiring for a VAR Replay Operator to join their team and assist in the use of VAR in the Premier League.The controversial technology continues to divide opinion in England’s top flight and the company behind it all are looking for someone new to join their ranks.Hawk-Eye are hiring for a VAR Replay OperatorCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe new hire would be responsible for showing replays of incidents to officials in the Premier League and other high profile competitionsCredit: Sky SportsHawk-eye, who provide the VAR tech used by the Prem, have listed their job opening online – leading fans to have a nosey at what qualifications they would need to be part of the team.The job, which would be based out of Stockley Park, would cover the Premier League, Uefa and FIFA competitions including the World Cup and Champions League.While the candidate’s responsibilities would include “operating systems during matches” and “setting up Hawk-Eye technology in the Replay Centre”.That would effectively mean that the new hire would be the person showing the referees and VARs replays of the incidents.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd according to the job advert that role will earn £25,800 per year – around £10,000 less than the average salary in the UK.But before you start readying your CV and marching it straight to the Hawk-Eye offices, there’s a lengthy list of qualifications that any potential candidate is supposed to have.Hawk-Eye want their new employee to hold a full driving licence, have a strong technical grounding, a proactive attitude, attentive listening skills and excellent problem-solving skills amongst a myriad of other requirements. However, there’s no requirement to have had any experience refereeing or officiating at any level.Most read in FootballVAR Replay Operator job in fullHere’s a look at the key responsibilities and required qualifications to become a VAR Replay Operator…Key ResponsibilitiesPre-match planning and administration in the days building up to your gamesSetting up Hawk-Eye technology in the Replay CentreConducting pre-match checks of the systems in accordance with standard proceduresLiaising with all members staff, match officials and supervisors on-siteOperating the systems during the matchMonitoring hardware and software performances, being able to troubleshoot and report encountered issuesTaking full responsibility for our system on-site and being an ambassador for Hawk-EyeCompleting post-match reports for client delivery and improving future operationsDuring the off-season, building and maintaining our hardware and equipmentAssisting with installation and testing of new products and servicesSkills, Knowledge and ExpertiseEssential: A strong technical grounding, with an interest in technologyBright and enterprising with excellent problem-solving skills and an inquisitive mindsetProactive attitude and ability to work on your own initiativeTime management skills and ability to work in a high-pressure, live broadcast environmentAbility to liaise with clients and customers in a professional and approachable mannerStrong attentive listening skills, particularly under extreme pressureFull valid driving licence required, willingness to drive our vansWillingness to travel domestically and to work overseasFlexible and adaptable to a schedule that is dedicated by the fixture list and can change at short noticeAcceptance that the nature of our business means that work will be carried out over weekends/bank holidaysPreferred:A keen interest in football; an understanding of the laws of the game is preferredA degree in a science, technology, mathematics or engineering course or relevant equivalent experienceFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile a “keen interest in football and understanding of the laws of the game” is only listed as “preferred” for the job.The surprising revelation would mean that someone could be operating the Premier League VAR systems without prior knowledge of the rules of football.How Arsenal and Liverpool benefitted from VAR failures AGAIN | Ex-Premier League referee reactsThat’s perhaps less shocking when remembered alongside last season’s biggest VAR error being spotted by another Replay Operator – who wasn’t a qualified referee either.The Replay Operator for Tottenham’s win over Liverpool last September appeared to be the only person at Stockley Park to realise that Luis Diaz was actually onside when his goal was ruled out for offside.Hawk-Eye don’t require interest or knowledge of football rules for their new hire in the positionCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Why Arsenal’s crucial goal to take lead vs Southampton should NOT have stood, according to ex-Premier League referee

    FORMER Premier League ref Mark Halsey believes Arsenal’s crucial goal in the 3-1 win over Southampton should NOT have stood.The official, who spent 14 years in the top-flight, reckons VAR has done Mikel Arteta’s side a huge favour for the second week running.Merino (No23) is offside as he makes an attempt to play the ball before Gabriel Martinelli (No11) scoresCredit: Premier LeagueThe goal proved crucial as the Gunners picked up three pointsCredit: GettyMark Halsey was a Premier League ref for 14 yearsCredit: Getty Images – GettyHalsey felt the Gunners were lucky to still have 11 players on the pitch last Saturday when Riccardo Calafiori made a cynical foul while on a booking in the 4-2 win over Leicester.And this week they appeared to get fortunate again with the decisions again. Arsenal were being held 1-1 by Southampton when Gabriel Martinelli put the hosts in front with a finish from a cross at the back post.The ball fell to him after Mikel Merino tried to head it at goal – only to not make contact with the ball. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is in an offside position when he leaps for the cross and seemingly impacts the play.Yet VAR did not chalk it off – despite a similar incident seeing Bournemouth have a goal ruled out on the same day.Halsey told SunSport’s The Whistleblower show: “I thought it was offside because you are offside if you challenge an opponent for the ball or clearly attempt to play a ball which is close when the action impacts on an opponent.”This is making an obvious action which clearly impacts the ability of an opponent to play the ball. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So if you’re looking at offside, technically he was offside because he did challenge for the ball and then ducked his head. “It clearly impacted on Aaron Ramsdale because like you say, he thinks Merino is going to win the ball.’Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark Halsey”But he ducks at the last moment and then leaves it for Martinelli. “So for me, I think that should have been disallowed, that goal, because it was clearly offside. “He clearly made an attempt to play the ball.”It is inconsistencies again. It is a massive moment in the game. “For Southampton, they’re struggling at the moment coming up from the Championship and who knows?”It was not the only controversial decision of the week as Crystal Palace felt their should have had a penalty against Liverpool.Virgil van Dijk appeared to pull Marc Guehi to the deck from a corner, with Halsey convinced the ref should have pointed the spot.He explained: “I thought it was a clear penalty.”Simon Hooper, did he have a good viewing angle? Was he blocked by some of the players? But that is what VAR is there for. For me, I thought it was a clear holding offence.READ MORE SUN STORIES”VAR’s David Coote should have come in on that and recommended a review.”Watch the full episode of The Whistleblower at the top of this article – where Halsey fumes over the laws of the game.Palace felt they should have had a penalty for Virgil van Dijk’s tug on Marc GuehiCredit: TNT Sports More

  • in

    Fans rage at ‘worst offside decision I’ve ever seen’ after Tottenham are let off against Ferencvaros

    FOOTBALL fans couldn’t believe that Ferencvaros’ opener against Tottenham in the Europa League was ruled out for offside.Ferencvaros forward Barnabas Varga nodded home in the 17th minute only for the officials chalk it off for offside.Barnabas Varga had his opener against Tottenham ruled out for offsideCredit: ReutersVarga appeared to be played onside by Cristian Romero but the decision stood after a VAR checkVarga was deflated by the decisionCredit: TNT SPORTSThe Hungarian champions had been on top of Ange Postecoglou’s side in the opening exchanges and a delicious cross from Eldar Civic was placed perfectly onto Varga’s head.The striker did great to direct it into the far corner and put his side a goal up but soon had his celebrations cut short by a VAR check for offside.The immediate replay looked to show that Varga was being played onside by Cristian Romero, but the goal was disallowed after a lengthy check.The TNT Sports commentary team speculated that it could have been because Adama Malouda Traore, who didn’t touch the ball, was deemed to have interfered with play from an offside position.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTraore was significantly offside but didn’t appear to have much, if any, of an influence on the passage of play.However it was confirmed afterwards that Varga was indeed offside and it was just the camera angle that was making him look as though he was onside.At half-time TNT pundit Joe Cole described it as an “optical illusion”.However, that didn’t stop fans from taking to social media to fume at the decision.Most read in FootballVarga was shown to be offside in a replay at half-timeCredit: TNT SPORTSFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne wrote: “That is an outrageous decision. How is that offside?”While another added: “Think that’s the worst offside decision i have ever seen”.A third posted: “He’s given offside, Tottenham have got away with one there”.’Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark HalseyAnd a fourth fumed: “That’s the most ridiculous offside I’ve ever seen”.To make matters even more controversial, just six minutes later Spurs took the lead through Pape Matar Sarr.Tottenham held onto that lead heading into the break, meaning their inexperienced side – which featured four teenagers – were able to take an advantage into the second half.The second half saw Brennan Johnson net a second to put a cushion on Spurs’ lead.And that cushion was needed when Varga finally got his goal to pull one back for Ferencvaros in the 90th minute.But it was too little too late with Spurs leaving Hungary as 2-1 winners.Pape Matar Sarr gave Tottenham the lead just six minutes after the decision to rule the goal outCredit: Getty More